by Markus Stolz

Avaton in Greek means an inaccessible and unapproachable place, sacred and inviolable. In ancient Greek religious sites, the avaton was a place where entry to the uninitiated was forbidden. Even today, this rule is still observed at the sacred area of Mount Athos, a mountain and peninsula in Halkidiki, Northern Greece. Mount Athos is a UNESCO World Heritage site and houses some 1400 monks in 20 monasteries. It is also an autonomous state under Greek sovereignty. The avaton forbids access to Mount Athos by any female, and is strictly observed.
Avaton is also the name of a red wine from Domaine Gerovassiliou that I have long thought of being quintessential ...